December 2019 Class Updates
The Owls and Otters are wrapping up their studies of Africa as we head into the holiday break. Days are spent hard at work, exploring works in more complex ways and paying attention to the seasonal changes happening around us…
Seasons Greetings
I sip my bright green spinach smoothie while waiting for my cinnamon oatmeal muffins to cool. A normal Saturday morning in the Carlson household. As the end of the year quickly approaches I find myself, like many people, thinking about loved ones, both friends and family. It is a time for reflection and giving. I am not a gifter, though there are times I wish I were. I need to give with time, service, and kind words…
Practicing Gratitude with Community
'Tis the season for traditions! At Mountain Sun Community School there are many ways these traditions are celebrated, both in school and in the homes of our students. “Belong” is one of the five keywords rooting Mountain Sun Community School’s philosophy…
September 2019 Class Updates
Many of the early days in the Owl and Otter classes are about getting those school routines down pat. Consistent repetition of routine has allowed the classes to have their first full morning work periods, staying busy all the way up to 11:00 on some days! Grace and courtesy is the ever-present thread throughout the primary classes, as the students are reminded to ensure that all actions (and words) are coming from a place of kindness…
MacKenzie Henry to Serve as Assistant Primary Teacher at Mountain Sun Community School
Mountain Sun Community School is pleased to announce the hire of MacKenzie Henry as an assistant teacher of their Primary Class. The independent, non-profit educational institution is grateful to be able to flexibly maximize the time, skills, and passions of our teachers…
April 2019 Classroom Updates
The Owls and Otters are deep into their studies of Thailand. The children have taken an imaginary flight to Thailand and are learning about the culture, art, food, and climate. Carol and Virginia Watkins (Sebastian's grandmother and mom) visited to talk about their trip to Thailand and shared stories, pictures, and souvenirs…
February 2019 Class Updates
The Owls and Otters are really enjoying their studies of China. They are fascinated by Chinese letter characters, languages, stories, and customs. Last week they celebrated the Chinese New Year by dressing in traditional colors of red and yellow and inviting parents to come and enjoy tea and snacks followed by a parade with dragons and drums…
Compassionate Community
"Many things are true at once," is something I keep hearing. I was speaking to a friend last night and reflecting on how, for our kiddos, that can feel a little confusing. In the Acorn class, we do our morning check-ins as a group…
2019 Faces of Freedom
The Faces of Freedom Art show is currently on display at the Transylvania Community Arts Council. This is the fifth year of the Art show and it is Mountain Sun Community School’s 5th year participating. The Faces of Freedom Art show was created by former MSCS parent Nicola Karesh…
Initiatives and Offering Individuals Choice
Each of us has patterns of behavior, which we label as habits, routines, or instincts. These behaviors sometimes are known, but often our most detrimental behaviors remain elusive. This elusiveness is due to the design of our brain…
Holiday Celebrations
This time of year we recognize the many holidays that are celebrated in our country and around the world. While there are cultural sensitivities around saying, “Merry Christmas,” or “Happy Holidays,” children are open to learning about different holiday traditions. In addition, they are proud of the traditions in their own families and excited to share those with others…
December Classroom Updates
The two younger classes have had parent and teacher conferences. Both classes are taking opportunities to go out and about with trips to the Library, Care Partners, and Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education…
November Classroom Updates
The Otter class is exploring the theme of autumn. They read a book by Jane Yolen about the change of the seasons. They spend outdoor time collecting colorful leaves, seeds, nuts, lichen, moss, and rocks. The kids enjoy collecting sticks to build pretend campfires…
Actitud De Gratitud
Every day I drive into our beautiful school campus, I can’t help but feel grateful. I get to work with amazing children and colleagues and I get to teach and share two of my passions: Yoga AND Spanish! This month I am overflowing with gratitude, on the heels of the amazing fall color and leading up to my personal favorite holiday of all: Thanksgiving…
Mountain Sun Announces the Natural Play Project
As part of the “Get Set” Early Childhood Initiative, Mountain Sun Community School has partnered with local organizations and is launching the Natural Play Project. Funded in large part by the United Way, MSCS is developing and enhancing its outdoor learning environment in order to provide a space for natural play programs for the diverse families and children of Transylvania County…
National Childhood Cancer Awareness
September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness month...not a pretty topic what-so-ever. Yet it is one that is dear to my heart as a parent of a child who has been bravely fighting brain cancer for the past four years. My son Holmes was diagnosed right after he turned five years old, and ever since we were thrown onto this journey, we have been advocating for more awareness and more funds to help find better treatments and cures…
The Eldest Mountain Sun Alumni Continue Their Journey
In 2014, Mountain Sun Community School graduated its first eighth-grade class. Four students completed their education with Mountain Sun that year and went on to Brevard High School. Four years later, these students are moving into the next phase of life as the launch into the wider world…
We Got This
Volunteering is important here at Mountain Sun. For our children, it’s a way to serve the community and get a chance to make an impact on the world around us. Starting from the beginning, we all encourage students to look beyond themselves and see how they can help others in class and at home…